Best Places To Visit In India: Destinations For Every Month

This travel calendar is my gift to travellers with India on their bucket list. Curated with much research and enthusiasm, it lists the best places to visit in India, from every state, and the best time to visit them. Read on for vacation goals for an entire year. Enjoy!

Auli: Kickstart the new year with an incredible adventure in the snow-clad meadows of Auli Bugyal in Uttarakhand. Ski down the glistening snow on the slopes that transform Auli into a winter wonderland, which makes January the best time to visit Auli.

Haridwar is the nearest railhead at a distance of 273 km from Auli and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.

Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary: Visit Asia's largest salt-water lagoon in Odisha in January, when the migratory birds arrive at their wintering ground. The mystical sight of flamingos and Irrawaddy dolphins at this time of the year make it just the right spot on the map for your escape.

Bhubhaneshwar Airport is the closest airport, 95kms from Chilika. Regular trains are available from major Indian cities to Chilka (CLKA). The nearest bus stand to Chilka is Satpada.

Diu: These serene beaches of the west coast make for a perfect trip for the first month of the year. Enjoy parasailing and wind surfing at Nagao Beach and Ghoghla Beach and behold the vision of the clearest sky above the vast Arabian Sea.

Diu is well connected to major cities of India by bus. The nearest railway stations to this destination are Somnath (SMNH) and Veraval (VRL). Regular flights are also available from cities across India to Diu Airport (DIU).

Nasik: Fun, food, fashion, wine and music – that's Sula Fest for you. The first week of February will give you a weekend to remember. Sula Fest in Nashik is a party-goer's paradise with music performances by internationally-acclaimed artists, great food to go with the wine, the fantastic energy of the crowds and a tent site where you can sleep under the stars.

Nashik makes for a great road trip for people in Mumbai. For travellers reaching Nahik from other cities, Mumbai and Pune are the nearest Airports.

Gulmarg: February is an excellent time to get your gear on and go snow boarding and skiing in the the snow-clad meadows of Kashmir. Gulmarg not only becomes the hub of adventure activities in this season but also promises surreal landscapes and a clear night sky for those who want a peaceful vacation.

The nearest airport is in Srinagar, 56 kms from Gulmarg. Taxis and buses are available from Srinagar to Gulmarg everyday at regular intervals.

Periyar Tiger Reserve: Visit the home to the wild in Thekkady. Among the best places to visit in India in February, Periyar Tiger reserve is a top choice for wildlife and outdoor photography enthusiasts. During this time of the year, animals spend time near the lake and the forest is at its greenest best.

The destination has a direct link from Thiruvananthapuram, Cochin and Kottayam by road and Kottayam is also the nearest railhead.

Vrindavan: Celebrate the festival of colors, Holi, in the city of India that boasts of being the playground of Krishna himself. Located in the district of Mathura, Vrindavan and its surrounding towns make for one of the best heritage tours in India.

Vrindavan does not have an airport. The nearest railhead is Mathura Cantt and frequent taxis and buses are available to Vrindavan.

Velas Beach, Ratnagiri: This small coastal village in the Ratnagiri district of Maharastra becomes a travellers' hotspot during the Velas Turtle Festival during this time of the year. Hundreds of Olive Ridley Turtles come to the Velas Beach during this breeding season. The festival dates back to 2006 and is organised by the locals with the help of an NGO, Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra.

Roadways is the usual mode of transport to reach Velas, as the beach is well-connected to all the major cities of Maharashtra.

Rishikesh Yoga Festival: Visit the yoga capital of India for the biggest yoga festival in the country during the first week of March, which makes this month the best time to visit Rishikesh. Learn the ancient art of meditation from the gurus who gather during the International Yoga Festival to address yoga enthusiasts from all over the world.

Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is 35 kms away from Rishikesh. Frequent buses are available from Haridwar, Dehradun and New Delhi to Rishikesh everyday.

Mon, Nagaland: The Aoleang festival of the Konyaks from Northern Nagaland is celebrated during the first week of April. The festival is celebrated after the people of the village sow seed in the new fields. This festival is also a celebration that marks the beginning of the new year in the region and visitors experience the rich cultural heritage of northern Nagaland through indigenous dance performances by the locals, music talent shows, songs and games.

There are no direct trains or airports connected to Mon. Travellers can reach Bhoju railway station (Assam) and reach Mon via Sonari (7km from Mon). Nearest airport to the destination is in Jorhat, Assam.

Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir Tulip Festival: South Asia's biggest Tulip Festival takes place during the month of March and April every year. The festival held at Siraj Bagh Chesmahsahi (also known as Indira Gandhi Memorial Garden) in Srinagar makes this month the best time to visit Srinagar when the flowers are in full bloom. Apart from the festival, this time of the year also promises the best climate conditions to explore the nearby towns of Gulmarg and snow-covered hilltops surrounding the valley.

Jammu Tawi or Udhampur are the nearest railway stations. Travellers can also reach Srinagar by a local train that starts from Banihal. Visitors can also fly to Srinagar, which is connected to all the major cities of India.

Shillong: Walk up to the top of the Shillong Peak and enjoy the 360‎° panoramic view of the city. Photographers will have the time of their lives witnessing the incredible 18-hole golf course in Shillong. It take almost two hours to reach Mawlynnong from Shillong and this trip could be your chance to explore the quaint village, also known as the cleanest village in Asia. Around 20 kms out of the city, on the way to the airport, you can stop by Umiam Lake at Barapani.

The nearest airport to Shillong is Umroi Airport at a distance of 25km from the city. The nearest railway station is Guwahati. You can take a bus or hire a taxi to Shillong from there. It takes almost three hours to reach Shillong from Guwahati by bus or a shared taxi.

Ooty: This town in the state of Tamil Nadu is also known as the capital of the Nilgiri Hills where two mountain ranges meet. Botanical Gardens on the slopes of the Doddabetta peak and the small tea factory and museum in Ooty are definitely the must-see spots. Doddabetta Peak in Ooty, at a height of around 8,650 feet, is the highest peak in South India.

Nearest domestic airport from Ooty is Coimbatore at a distance of 88kms. Mettupalyam is the nearest railhead and there are trains connecting Ooty to Chennai, Coimbatore, Mysore and Bangalore. Ooty is just a road trip away from Bangalore via Mysore or via Chamarajanagar.

Gangtok: Head to the hills of Sikkim along the Teesta River and reach the gorgeous capital city, Gangtok. The numerous hilltops such as Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok; monasteries namely Rumtek and Enchey monastery, and scenic viewpoints around the city of Gangtok make this location an absolute delight especially during May when the pleasant climate make it the best time to visit Gangtok.

Nearest airport to Gangtok is Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri. There are frequent taxis and buses available to reach Gangtok from Siliguri.

Kasol: Get a taste of the hills of Himachal Pradesh during the pleasant summer time. The hill town of Kasol and the entire Parvati Valley is a hub of travellers throughout the year. During the month of May, the best time to visit Kasol, the hikes around this town leading to Kheerganga, Malana and Rasol offer the best scenic trails to adventure lovers.

Bhuntar is the nearest airport, though not frequently used. Buses are available from all the major cities to Bhuntar or Manali. Taxis and local buses take you to Kasol, which is 30kms from Buntar.

Ladakh: The arrival of the summers is also an invitation to travellers from across the world to visit the Indian traveller's Mecca, Ladakh. The roads via Manali and Srinagar open routes to Leh, the capital city of Ladakh and the marvelous towns on the route to Leh are the sight to behold. Leh Palace, Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri are some of the highlights that are at their scenic best during this time of the year.

Kodaikanal: Sometime in the middle of the year, take a trip to the quaint little hill station of South India, Kodaikanal. Kodai Lake, Pillar rocks and the surrounding pine forests together make Kodaikanal one of the most peaceful locations to spend your vacation. Vattakanal a nearby village is also an emerging backpacking destination.

Nearest airport to Koidaikanal is Madurai. Regular bus services are also available for Kodaikanal from Chennai and Coimbatore.

Orchha, Madhya Pradesh: This hidden heritage city in the heart of India is the choicest location for travellers interested in history, art and culture. The ancient temples and palaces around the city such as Raja Ram Temple, Jahangir Mahal and Rai Praveen Mahal are surely must visit spots for travellers in Orchha.

Orchha can be a great pit-stop for a road trip around the exciting locations, namely Agra, Gwalior and Khajuraho. Jhansi is the nearest railhead and Gwalior serves as the nearest airport to Orchha.

Valley Of Flowers: July is just the right time of the year to experience the wonders of nature at the Valley Of Flowers trek in Uttarakhand. 300 kms north of Rishikesh, the trek starts from a distant village in Uttarakhand, Govindghat. The trek through the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve promises the valley in full bloom during July, August and September.

Valley of Flowers is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and the last motorable road will take you to Govindghat, 500 kms from New Delhi and almost 300kms from Haridwar.

Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani: The two towns together make the best getaway destination for people from Mumbai. The vast and endless plateau of Mahabaleshwar is surrounded with hills on all sides. Wilson or Sunrise Point is the highest point in the town at 1439 m. Other scenic locations in the town include Kate's Point and Connaught Peak.

Nearest airport is Pune, around 120 km from Mahabaleshwar. Nearest railway station is in Satara, however Pune remains the most frequently used railhead.

Spiti Valley: Take the road trip of a lifetime to the stunning Himalayan desert in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The district of Lahaul and Spiti promise the best options for exploration on a road trip that start from Manali, via Chandrataal, Kee, Kibber, Komic, Tabo and Nako.

Travellers can reach Spiti Valley via two routes: (1.) via Manali (2.) via Shimla. Buses are available everyday from New Delhi to Manali and Shimla. You can hire a taxi or go on a self-driven exploration from Manali and Shimla to Spiti.

Karjat: Karjat is one of the best places to visit around Mumbai during the rainy month of August. The exciting trekking locations around Karjat include Chanderi Fort Trek, Matheram Trek and Peth Fort Trek. Replete with opportunities for visitors Karjat is also famous for the scenic vistas of Ulhas Valley, Bhor Ghat and Kondana Caves.

Karjat is at an hour's distance from Mumbai and it's also well-connected to all the major cities of Maharashtra. Karjat railway station is also connected to Mumbai and Pune.

Munnar: 6000ft above sea level, Munnar lies in the Idukki district of Kerala. This erstwhile British tea plantation location is still a desired vacation destination for travellers around India. Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty and waterfalls of Chinnakanal & Anayirangal are some great locations to checkout while in Munnar.

Cochin International Airport and Madurai International Airport are the nearest airports. State run and private buses are available from major towns of Kerala and Tamil Nadu to take you to Munnar.

Kinnaur: This corner of Himachal Pradesh is not just known for the best apples in India but also for the hidden corners around the Kinnaur District that make for a great exploration hub. Visit the caves of Tabo, the quaint village of Nako and the nearby town of Kalpa.

Kinnaur makes for a great road trip destination for travellers from Delhi reaching Kinnaur via Shimla. Buses and taxis are also available from Shimla and Rampur. You can also reach Kinnaur from Manali via Spiti.

Wayanad: Visit the land of the paddy fields during the best time of the year to experience the peaceful Wayanad. The best way to experience Wayanad is to explore the natural wonders through hiking. Some favourable hiking trails are to Sahibkkunnu, hike to Kurisumala Peak and Chembra Peak. Wildlife sanctuaries around the region are Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary and Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary.

Wayanad is Karipur international airport at Kozhikode is the closest airport. Kozhikode is also the nearest railhead, which is 110 km from Wayanad.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Visit Corbyn's Cove beach, North Bay Island and Ross Island. Experience the light and sound show at the cellular jail. Watch the majestic sunset at Radhanagar beach and enjoy snorkelling at the Elephant Beach on Havelock Island.

The best way to reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands is to take a flight from the major cities of India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai or Kolkata) to Port Blair. Passenger ships are also available from Chennai, Kolkata and Vishakhapatnam to Port Blair.

Kaas Valley: Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Kaas Plateau is a mini valley of flowers in Maharashtra. After the rains are over, Kaas makes for a wonderful weekend getaway destination from Mumbai, giving opportunities for visitors to explore the outdoors. Trails along the valley would help you study the hundreds of species of flowers in the region.

Best way to reach Kaas from Mumbai is by taking the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and NH4 upto Satara. The Kaas Plateau is about 22 km from Satara.

Coorg: With astonishing variety of flora and fauna, vast expanse of coffee plantations and stunning waterfalls, Coorg is a bucket list destination for many curious travellers. Some of the must visit places in Coorg include Dubare Elephant Camp, Abbey falls, Brahmagiri Peak and Iruppu Falls.

Nearest airport to Coorg is Mangalore International Airport. Mysore is the nearest railhead, about 120 kms away from Coorg. Bus services connects Coorg to all the major cities of Karnataka through KSRTC bus services.

Pushkar: October serves as the best time to visit Pushkar, the Hindu pilgrimage centre that has lately emerged as the new hippie hub in the state of Rajasthan. Apart from the Brahma temple and the majestic Pushkar Lake, the city is also known for the countless cafe-hopping spots that are an absolute delight to any visitor.

Best way to reach Pushkar is to take a road trip from Delhi via Ajmer. Ajmer is also the closest railway station to Pushkar at a distance of around 11kms.

Cherrapunji: Visit the Northeast India during the pleasant winters. Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Dainthlen Falls are some of the best spots to get the best of Cherrapunji. A short drive away from Cherrapunji is the living root bridge at Mawlynnong, which is also the cleanest village in Asia.

Guwahati Airport connects Meghalaya to most of the major cities. The nearest railhead to Cherrapunji is also Guwahati. Shared taxis and buses are available from the railway station to Shillong and nearby locations.

Agumbe: This village in the Shimoga District of Karnataka in the Western Ghats is home to the last remaining low land rainforests. The town of Agumbe is surrounded by a number of reserve forests in the Western Ghats, such as Kundapur, Sringeri, Hosanagara and Thirthahalli, which are together known as Agumbe Rainforest Complex.

Mangalore, 108 kms away from Agumbe, is the nearest airport. Nearest railway station at Shimoga is 90 kms away and another railhead Udupi is 55km from Agumbe. You can also take a bus from Bengaluru to Agumbe directly or a bus towards Theerthahlli and another bus from there that can take you to Agumbe.

Lakshadweep: Visit Lakshadweep for an ultimate beach vacation. Among the best things to do in Lakshadweep some of the best picks are scuba diving in Kalpeni Island and canoeing in Minicoy Island. Agatti Island is also well known for the water sports activities it offers. Kite surfing at Kadamat Island another addition to your list of must-dos in Lakshadweep.

7 passenger ships operate between Cochin and Lakshadweep. Cochin International Airport links Lakshadweep to all the major cities of India. Flight from Cochin to Agatti takes almost 1 hour 30mins.

Varkala: At the end of the year head to the beaches of India. Varkala is a quieter beach destination emerging to be a major tourist hub in India. Varkala Beach, Thiruvambadi Beach and Edava Beach are some of the peaceful spots to visit during your travel to Varkala.

At a distance of 36km, the nearest airport to Varkala is the Thiruvanthapuram Airport. Varkala Station is not a very well-connected railway station and hence, Trivandrum Rail Strip provides better connection to Varkala.

Konark: Your journey across India cannot be complete without indulging the marvelous heritage of the country. The Sun Temple of Konark was built on the 13th century and still stands as a symbol of our rich history. The temple lies in the north-eastern corner of the town of Puri and is a noteworthy architectural wonder. Puri is a beach destination that can also be explored during this getaway.

Closest domestic airport to Konark is the domestic airport at Bhubaneshwar. Puri is the nearest railhead, 31 kms from Konark. State-run buses and taxis connect Konark to the other cities of Odisha.

Goa: End the year with the trip to the most happening spot on the map of India during December. Visit Goa for the beach parties, the celebration during Christmas and adventure sports on the stunning beaches of Goa. Visit Anjuna for beach parties, Baga for watersports and Ashwem beach to relax and enjoy spa.

Dabolim Airport, at a distance of 29kms from Panjim, connects Goa to major cities across India. Buses around Goa operate from Panaji, Madgaon and Vasco Da Gama. Madgaon and Thivim are two railway stations connected to cities across the country.